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Catechism, and from those portions of, average number of boys who attend the

Scripture which they have committed to memory during the day. On Monday evening, I have an inquiring meeting. Four of the large boys always attend. The one I received from Mr. Poor is, I trust, pious. The others have had some concern about their souls. On Tuesday evening they attend, when I examine the schoolmasters on the Scriptures. On Wednesday evening, they have a prayer meeting among themselves. On Thursday evening, they recite from the Catechism and Scriptures. On Friday evening, I have begun to meet the larger boys for the purpose of instructing them how to answer the objections, which the heathen bring against our religion. appoint them some theological questions for their consideration. After having reflected upon them during the week, they give such answers as have been suggested to their minds. For the sake of argument, I act the part of the heathen, and if they answer discreetly, I endeavor to bring every objection to their arguments, and if possible confound them. If they cannot give direct answers, I endeavor to instruct them. This exercise is very necessary, as these boys must take an active part with me in sowing the seed of the Word among this people; and it is of great importance that they should be enabled to answer all the objections, which a heathen can bring against the Christian religion.

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This school is situated in a large village of Changane, about one mile and a half from this church. The average number of boys who attend, is 35. There are six girls attached to this school. As these girls will probably continue in the school for a shorter time than the boys, we shall endeavor to have the greater part of their attention paid to religious exercises. Surlepurum is said to contain 800 houses; but the number is probably overrated. Our congregations at this village are never large. The people have little disposition to hear the Gospel.

School at Makeapperty.

This village is situated about half way between this Church and Oodooville. The

school, is about 36. It is our main object, in all our schools, to store the minds of the children with religious information. Our congregations at this place are small.

School at Vardealadipoo.

Vardealadipoo is a village of Changane, about a quarter of a mile from this church. The school in this village is in a very flourishing state. The average number of boys who attend, is 43. There is one girl attached to this school. It is at this place where we have large congregations on the sabbath, and the only place where many females will attend. Were I to preach more than I do at private houses, we should unquestionably see more women, as they appear to have no particular objections to visiting their neighbors, when we are pres

ent.

MISSION AMONG THE CHEROKEES.

EXTRACTS FROM A NARRATIVE WRITTEN
BY AN ASSISTANT MISSIONARY.

THE narrative, from which the following
extracts are made, was written by a lady,
who joined the mission at Brainerd, at her
own expense, a little more than a year
ago; but felt herself bound to leave not
long after, in consequence of some peculiar
family claims upon her attention. Though
it was not composed with a view to publi
cation, we give it to our readers, from the
conviction that it will be perused not with-
out interest. At the commencement of our
extracts, the lady was within twenty miles
of Brainerd, where she had been detained
by the rise of waters in the intervening
creeks.

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After a delay of three days, we were informed that we might cross the creeks, as the waters had been falling several hours. We took leave of our hospitable friends, these children of nature, under no less obligation, than if our accommodations had been the most excellent, as their little all had been entirely at our service, during the long storm.

Our landlord warned us of danger, and would persuade us to remain longer; but the only creeks of any danger, were two within eight miles. There was also a prospect of another storm, by which we might be detained many days; and if we could only cross these two, we might reach Brainerd the next day. The first, though fear

fully rapid and deep, we crossed safely, about two o'clock, expecting to reach the next before dark. But here a new dificulty arose. As we could not ford at the usual place, we did not regain the road, but wandered in vain until near sunset. We were on the deserted Cherokee lands. Winter had stripped the trees of their verdure; not the note of a bird broke the mournful silence; not a squirrel or an insect was seen. The lands were level, and every where intersected with Irlian paths, among which, leaving our carriage, each one wandered, in different directions, in quest of the public road.

Dangerous and lonely as was our situation, it gave rise to some pleasing reflections. Thus, I thought, had our fellowbeings long been driven before the hand of civilization; but the arm of Christian benevolence is now arresting their flight. Soon, returning, they will meet us as brethren, receive the word of God as their guide, worship our Jehovah, be protected by our laws, and aid in supporting our government.

Passage over the second stream.

The good hand of our God at length led us into the right way; but the day was soon gone, and we had several miles yet to go before reaching Swartz. The full moon never rose more timely on any benighted travellers; and at eight o'clock we arrived at the second formidable stream, the roar of which we heard at some distance. In the midst of the stream a large rock had nearly intercepted our passage; and when, with much danger, we had passed this, and the depth of the stream, we found a log laying across our way, over which we could not pass, nor could we safely go round it. We therefore left the carriage, and those, who could not walk, were carried on shore. Had I not felt a hitherto. almost unknown confidence in the protection of our heavenly Father, surely I could not have been supported; and had not his goodness warranted this confidence, we had all perished.

Half a mile from this we were accommodated with the best a little cottage could afford. Our sleep was sweet, as we trusted this was the last night of our weary pilgrimage, and the next would introduce us to the dear missionaries.

Passage over the Tennessee.

We had not proceeded far, the next day, before the rain began to fall in great abundance. We reached the Tennessee river, which was not known to have been so high during many years. For the last few miles, we had pursued an unfrequentVOL. XVIII.

ed way, as the waters were said to be less dangerous, than on the common road. This led us to Ross' ferry, rather than Brown's. We had come nearly thirty miles, and seen but three habitations, and but one traveller. He begged a piece of rope to repair his harness, which had been cut, that he might extricate himself and horse from a stream, into which he had ventured, not knowing the depth; and, losing his portmanteau, had narrowly escaped with his life. Have we not, in our preservation, experienced distinguishing goodness?

The boat at Ross' ferry was old and dangerous. Our way near the shore lay through the tops of the trees; and the ferryman thought our danger might be much lessened, by taking off the top of the carriage. This was, therefore, sacrificed, although the rain yet continued. The river was smooth, and our sail would have been pleasant, but for the danger. In the midst of the river my fears were allayed, by a sudden impression of our Savior's words, "It is I, be not afraid." Could I doubt that goodness, which had carried us in safety through the past? I felt a strong reliance on God, and even enjoyed the scene, which was truly sublime. When approaching the shore, we could gather the misletoe, from the tops of the trees, and were pleased with the thickets of vines, which promised plenty of grapes and muscodines the ensuing season.

Occurrences on the way.

We were not aware that the day was almost past, when we landed; and regretted our departure from the last little hut, poor as our accommodations must have been, when we again found ourselves strangers in a dark forest. The rain was falling in torrents, to which we were now wholly exposed, as we had lost our only shelter. The moon gave but a partial light, and I felt my situation truly unpleasant, in 'not being able wholly to shelter from the rain my children, who were asleep under my cloak, insensible to my anxiety, or their exposure. The evil was greatly increased, when we arrived at the foot of a hill, the height and danger of which we could not know, and were told that the horses could not ascend, nor we be safe, unless we walked. My cloak was so filled with water, that I left it: and taking the little ones we alighted, and, with the utmost fatigue, ascended the hill. The time and way appeared so long, that we were apprehensive of having lost the road, or we must have reached Brainerd ere this; it being but eight miles from the Tennessee river, and the evening being now far advanced. The patience of our driver was, by this time, wholly exhausted. His complaints added not a lit18

tle to our distress. We were most completely drenched in the rain. The hour of dining brought no refreshment for us, and the hour of supper could not be improved as such. Bread and meat were all, which our late hospitable friends could impart. Some yet remained, and we had more than once allayed our hunger with this, while sitting in the rain, during the last days of our journey.

Our northern friends, we trusted, were sweetly reposing, unconscious of the dangers and hardships, to which we were exposed. Had they known our situation, they possibly might have feared, lest we were exposed to the tomahawk of the savage, on whose lands we were. But the fear of this never entered our minds. Doubtless, had we found one of their cabins, we should have been hospitably entertained during the night. No kind Cherokee, however, was near, of whom we might inquire, and we pursued our uncertain way, looking in vain, on the right hand and on the left, "for an hospitable ray" | from the mission house.

They arrive at Brainerd.

A light was at length seen glimmering on the left. It was a light from Brainerd! We had arrived at this consecrated spot. All appeared happy. The doors of each cabin on the south, were open; in each of which was a blazing fire, and around it the Cherokee boys were playing,unconscious of the suffering group, which was approaching. We passed by these, and, through a large front yard, entered the mission house, where we were received with much surprise and cordiality. Although the faces of all, except father and mother Hoyt, were new, yet their names and characters were familiar. We were introduced to the common sitting room, in which was a long table, surrounded by well-clad, interesting Cherokee girls, each sewing, with her work-basket before her, and superintended by sister Sarah Hoyt. Our cares and our sorrows, in this delightful moment, were forgotten; and we felt ourselves more than compensated for all our sufferings. A good supper was soon provided, and we were agreeably surprised in finding some little luxuries, to which we thought we had for ever bid adieu. These, however, were only for the stranger and the sick. In the beloved missionaries we found all our lost friends; father, mother, brother, and sister. From that hour, we no more felt ourselves strangers. After surFounding the domestic altar, and offering our united thanks for our late preservation, and safe arrival, we were conducted up the stairs, and through the long piazza, into a neatly furnished chamber, where

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was a good fire. This room they devoted to myself and children. All these things so far exceeded my expectations, and were so necessary to our comfort, that my heart must have been hard indeed, not to have been warmed with ardent gratitude to the great Giver of all; and to the dear missionaries, who, by their kindness, thus cheered our drooping spirits.

Introduction to the Mission Family.

Our sleep was very sweet this night; nor, as we had so much reason to fear from our late exposures, did any of us awake with freezing chills, or burning fevers. The early sound of the morning bell awoke us, and soon the second bell summoned us to prayers. As yet we had seen nothing, which might not appear in a common well regulated family. Now we were led to the dining room, where was assembled the precious charge of the Christian public, of the American Board, and of the mission family.

We

More than ninety interesting, happy children were assembled for prayers. We heard these natives of the forest, descendants of the heathen, sing the praises of God; saw them bow the knee to Jehovah, and acknowledge the Redeemer. were now members of the mission family; were affectionately introduced as such, by Mr. Hoyt, to the children; and with them were seated at the mission table. Merciful Father, why were we thus honored? The missionaries, for many days, forgat not to make our preservation and safe arrival, a subject of their prayers. They ever continued to treat us with most unmerited kindness; nor shall we ever cease to love them as our best friends. The children of the school were much endeared by their affectionate manners, which were truly interesting. The dining room was furnished with five long tables, all set with pewter plates, tin cups, and iron spoons. No articles of China, or even earthen, were used. No sugar, butter, cheese, nor sweetmeats, were seen.

A conversation respecting the Jews.

Delightful as social intercourse must be in the mission family, we found but few opportunities of spending an evening as a domestic circle. In one of these few, the conversation turned on "the Star in the West."* Elijah Hicks, son of the venemble Charles Hicks, and clerk of the nation, was one of the circle. His presence would not have disgraced any circle, either

A book with this title, of which the late President of the American Bible Society was the author.

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in appearance, manner, or conversation. He listened to our various remarks with deep attention, but gave not his opinion. At length, with much propriety of manner and expression, he asked, "Whether our divines generally supposed the return of the Jews, predicted by the Prophets, was a spiritual, or a temporal return?"

Judge Boudinot's statements were found by the missionaries to be correct. Customs, like those of the Jews, were, from time to time, discovered. Their present "city of refuge for the man-slayer," is in the vicinity of a white settlement, where the guilty must stay till after corn-planting, when he may return in safety..

Progress of civilization among the Indians.

Some of the Indians are said to live in very decent style, cultivate their lands, and keep good tables. Two Cherokees, by the name of Van, have built good brick houses, and another Cherokee, who would imitate the missionaries in all which they do, has built him a house in exact imitation of theirs. A pious man from Georgia, four years ago, passed through the nation, and again, last year: he says, "their improvement is astonishing." The missionaries are richly compensated for all their trials, in knowing that a nation are reaping, not only temporal, but eternal benefit, through their exertions. Father Hoyt says, nothing of any consequence transpires at the mission, but it is known through the nation in three days. Circumstances, little thought of by ourselves, would excite much interest and observation through the land. The missionary has hardly time to reflect on the eminence, on which he stands.

Civilization, and a knowledge of the Scriptures, will, doubtless, dispel the mist which has so long hung over these nations, and show them to be not inferior to any other people. Their lands are now divided into counties; judges are appointed; and courts held. Judge Brown was once at Brainerd, while I was there. He possessed no small degree of unaffected dignity. I saw his niece, Delilah Fields, a girl not twelve years old, make coffee, and prepare him a breakfast in good style, and then wait on the table.

I saw but one intoxicated person, and did not hear an oath from a Cherokee, during the term of three months.

Theft was common; but the nation condemned it. During our stay, two horses were stolen from the mission. Several Cherokees assured us of their safe return, and, with our brother Reed, were many days engaged in their pursuit. The thieves were often heard of, in different parts of the nation; and finding no prospect of es

cape, they turned the horses loose upon the mountains, where they were soon found. Several small articles had also been stolen. Mr. Butler made a journey to the venerable Charles Hicks, for redress. The good man said, "We are to have a council next week. I will have a talk, and you will hear no more of it."

Notices respecting several Indian youth.

John Newton was supposed to be a christian, though not more than twelve years old; and we not only loved, but respected him. There was a degree of dignity in his person and deportment, which I have rarely seen equalled in a youth of his age. On one of the first Sabbaths after our arrival, he was studying in Emerson's catechism. I asked him how much he had learned? He repeated several pages,-more than I had time to hear,-which he had learned that day. On many of the cold mornings, when the children were trying to secure a good seat, or wrapping themselves warmly in their blankets, John Newton, without a blanket, or choice of seat, and regardless of the cold, was ever seen sitting erect, with his eyes fixed on the reader, or devotionally attending to the prayer. He always appeared above the vanities of childhood and youth.

Delilah Fields, we have reason to think, is pious. I had brought some presents from the children of Miss G.'s school to the children at Brainerd; and as Delilah frequently wrote letters, I requested her to write to Miss G. She declined; said she || should not have time. One evening, however, she came into my room, and said she would now write. I immediately supplied her with pen and paper; but she said she did not know what to write. I dictated

the first sentence, and thought, perhaps, I must tell her all; but, being much engaged, forgat the subject. In about half an hour, Delilah brought me the letter finished. I was surprised at her facility in writing, and exclaimed, "Not one of Miss G.'s scholars could write so well." It would scarcely be believed, that either the writing, or composition, was the performance of a child, hardly twelve years old; much less of a Cherokee girl, who had been at school but two years.

John Arch is pious, and greatly esteemed by the mission family. He is Mr. Butrick's assistant in the study of the Cherokee language. I asked if he did not believe the language would be lost, in a few generations? He reluctantly answered,→ yes.

I asked if he was willing? "I had rather," says he, "it would remain as it is." I thought there was something of patriotism in his melancholy look and answer. He also writes letters, which may well be

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admired, considering, that (as he expressed himself,) "two years ago, he was wandering on the dark mountains, till he met Mr. Hall, who advised him to come to Brainerd."

I lament, that the missionaries have no more time to instruct the children of the school in composition, as their genius in this respect, is admirable. The public could not but be interested in their productions.

MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL KEPT
AT MAYHEW.

(Continued from p. 105.)

Jan. 1, 1822. Brother Williams left us to return to his establishment. He is authorized to employ help to finish what remains to be done on the buildings, and also to clear and fence a field for planting. This will afford work for his school boys, and lessen the expense of the school, both to the parents of the children, and to the Board. The bitter cup of affliction, which has been put into the hands of brother and sister Williams to drink, appears to have been blessed to them. They are encouraged with the hope that one of their neighbors, a respectable white man, is anxiously inquiring what he must do be saved.

Arrival of Mr. Stewart.

member of the Presbyterian church, united with us.

In the evening, the marriage of brother Wisner and sister Frissell, was solemnized. The ceremony was introduced by some remarks on the duties of the married state, and closed with singing. The time, the occasion, and the singing, conspired to render it a solemn and interesting season.

7. Monthly concert for prayer. Met in the evening to remember Zion, and to implore the Divine blessing upon our jabors.

9. Brother Kingsbury left Mayhew for Elliot on business of the mission. May the Divine presence and blessing go with him.

Intelligence from Elliot.

10. Brother Jewell arrived from Elliot. From him we rejoiced to learn, that the Lord continues to manifest his special presence to that dear family. One of their hired men gives satisfactory evidence of having passed from death unto life. He is a native of Ireland, and was brought up a Roman Catholic. The Lord designing, as we trust, that he should obtain, in this wilderness, the unsearchable riches of Christ, he was led by an all-wise Providence to Elliot, at a time when a spirit of and grace supplication was poured out upon that family. He had been there but a few days, before he was aroused from his carnal security, and began to cry in earnest for mercy. After some deep and pungent conviction of sin, he was brought, as we have reason to believe, to rejoice in hope of the mercy of God through Christ. In a letter to Dr. Pride, speaking of the exercises of his mind, on the day on which he hopes the Lord revealed himself to his soul, he says; "Oh my friend, it is impossible to describe my feelings on that day. That way of being saved, which seemed impossi ble to me, was the only way in which I could be saved; I mean, through Christ. But, when my soul appeared to be on the brink of ruin; yes, when the powers of earth failed, when the affectionate father, mother, and friends could do nothing for me;-then did my dearest Jesus, as I trust, convey my heart-broken petitions to my heavenly Father, and out of this valley of death did he bring me. My soul was lifted up to behold my God. Then were my tears of grief turned into joy unspeakable. Rejoice with me, while I praise my God for his mercies in sending me to this holy land. Here, in this wilderness, after rambling over the world, did my God call me; -yes, my friend, without a single cent in my pocket; that his word might be fulfilled 5. Enjoyed the privilege of coming in me according to his promise, "Come around the table of our Lord, and com- unto me, without money, and without memorating his dying love.. It was a pre-price." Every day his mercies come more cious season, One of our hired men, a and more to me. Oh, may they continue

3. We were called to rejoice on the unexpected arrival of Mr. Philo P. Stewart, who had been sent out by the Board as an assistant missionary to this station. We had no intimation of his being on the way, till he arrived, and showed his letter from the Corresponding Secretary. It was indeed a most happy surprise, and called for our devout gratitude. We united in singing the hymn, "Kindred in Christ for his dear sake," &c. and in offering up thanksgiving for SO unlooked for a favor. Brother Stewart is by profession a saddler and harness-maker, but will be able to work also at the shoemaking business. This is a very important circumstance; for as brother Hooper expects soon to be engaged in the school, we should be in want of a shoe-maker;, and were just on the point of writing for one, when brother Stewart arrived. Thus have our wants been kindly provided for by a watchful Providence.

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